In response to the death of Touhidur Rahman (40), who was detained during a joint forces operation in Cumilla, the commander of the military camp has been withdrawn, and a high-level investigation committee has been formed. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department issued a statement on Saturday, expressing sorrow over the incident.
ISPR further stated that those found responsible in the investigation would face legal actions under military law.
Touhidur, a Jubo Dal leader from the Italla village in the Pachthubi Union of Cumilla’s Adarsha Sadar Upazila, was taken from his home late at night by individuals identifying themselves as joint forces personnel. He later died at Cumilla Medical College Hospital.
According to Touhidur’s brother, Abul Kalam Azad Tipu, their father had passed away four days earlier, and they were preparing for the religious ceremony (kulkhani). On the night of the incident, around 2:30 AM, three army vehicles and a red civilian car arrived at their home. Armed and civilian-clothed individuals searched their house, accusing Touhidur of possessing weapons. Despite their repeated denials, Touhidur was taken away. The family tried to find him in local police stations but to no avail.
Azad further said that at around 12:30 PM on Friday, SI Morshed from the Kotwali Model Police Station called to inform them that Touhidur had been taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital after being found at the Gomti Bilas area. Upon arriving at the hospital, they found Touhidur’s body, which bore visible signs of injuries.
Azad, crying in front of the hospital, said his brother had spent millions on politics and questioned why he was killed in such a manner, demanding a proper investigation into the incident.
SI Morshed confirmed that Touhidur was still alive when they loaded him into the vehicle under the supervision of army personnel at Gomti Bilas around 11:30 AM. However, he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Dr. Tanvir Ahmed from the emergency department of Cumilla Medical College Hospital stated that Touhidur was brought in by the police at 12:30 PM, and examination revealed he had already passed away before reaching the hospital. There were multiple injury marks on his body.
Additional Police Superintendent of Cumilla (Sadar Circle) Mohammad Saiful Malik said that Touhidur fell ill while being transferred to the police and died after being taken to the hospital. The exact cause of death will be determined after the autopsy. Malik also mentioned that no formal complaint has been filed by the family, but the entire matter is being investigated.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohinul Islam said that the body was handed over to the family after the autopsy, and Touhidur had a previous case filed against him under the Special Powers Act of 2018.
Anwarul Haque, the convener of Cumilla South District Jubo Dal, told Liberty News that Touhidur was an honest and dedicated leader. He was employed in a private company and had two daughters. Haque emphasized that if Touhidur was found to be armed, legal actions could have been taken, but his death requires a thorough investigation.
LND/SAKIB
